These are electronic units. If one part of the cluster fails, the entire cluster must be replaced. Conventional speedometer cables are not used; the speedometer is a fully electronic unit. Some inputs are hard-wired, such as the turn indicators, high beam indicator and some of the warning lights. All other inputs to the instrument panel cluster are through a Class 2 Serial Data Communications Link. The primary inputs (speedometer, temperature, fuel and tachometer) are driven by information from the data link to the instrument cluster to the cluster microprocessor and then through the stepper motor driver. Although some conventional light bulbs are still being used, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are being used for a number of warning lamps and indicators.

Depending on the vehicle, other information is displayed. Some vehicles may be equipped with a Driver Information Center (DIC) or Message Center. Displays may include the average fuel economy, the range, the fuel used and the oil life remaining. Warning messages may also appear such as Door Ajar, Trunk Ajar, Low Trac, and others. The information is delivered to the driver through tell-tale lamps or the indicators. The tell-tale lamps and indicators illuminate when either a grounding switch is closed or one of the pertinent modules provides a path to ground for the specific indicator. The Driver Information Display does not perform any self-tests or diagnostics and is used only as a communication device for the driver.

Another variation used on some models is the Heads-Up Display (HUD). The instrument cluster HUD system projects the frequently used driver information near the front of the vehicle as viewed from the driver's seat. The instrument cluster HUD system displays speed, turn indicators, high beam indicator, low fuel indicator, the check gauge indicator and radio information. Vehicle using a HUD system have a HUD specific windshield and a special instrument cluster

Although there are many similarities across the W-Body Product Line, there are differences in vehicle equipment, including the instrument panel display and the panel-mounted controls. Your Owner's Manual is a good reference for information specific to your vehicle, what the symbols, lights and chimes mean and what you should look for on the instrument cluster.

Removal & Installation

Specific to:

Buick Century 1997-2000

Buick Regal 1997-2000

Chevrolet Lumina 1997-2000

Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1997-2000

Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 1997

Oldsmobile Intrigue 1998-2000

Pontiac Grand Prix 1997-2000

NOTE

To remove the instrument cluster on these vehicles, the large panel that surrounds the cluster must be removed. The factory calls this panel the instrument panel cluster trim plate and its removal varies from car line, model and vehicle year. Instrument panels and their surrounding pieces use a lot of plastic. The panels are retained by a combination screws, clips and interlocking tabs. Work carefully to avoid cracking or breaking plastic pieces. Don't force anything or the panels could be damaged. In addition, use care when detaching and attaching the electrical connectors. The connector pins are very small and easily damaged.

Specific to:

Chevrolet Lumina 1997-2000

Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1997-2000

CAUTION

All models covered herein are be equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system, which uses an air bag. Whenever working near any of the SIR components, such as the impact sensors, the air bag module, steering column and instrument panel, disable the SIR, as described in this section.

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Disarm the SIR system, as outlined in this section.

Remove the instrument panel cluster trim plate using the following procedure:

Move the shift lever from
Park
to
L1
, if equipped with a column shift.

Tilt the steering column to its lowest position.

Remove the instrument panel cluster trim plate by unsnapping the clips from the instrument panel and lifting the cluster trim panel from the vehicle.

Rotate the instrument cluster rearward and disengage the locating pins on the bottom of the cluster from the instrument panel. Detach the electrical connector(s) and remove the instrument cluster from the vehicle.

Installation is the reverse of the removal process. Use care to make sure all installation clips are properly located. Do not over-tighten any screws or they could force their way through their holes and the panel will not be held properly. Squeaks and rattles may develop later.